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Romans 15:7-13
In Romans 15:7 is the statement made by the Apostle Paul that directly tells those of the Church at Rome what he has been leading them to understand, as he states (NKJV), “Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.” Paul then declares in Romans 15:8-9a, “Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy…” He then gives support from the Old Testament Scriptures that are reflective of his teaching as he quotes 2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49; Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 117:1; and Isaiah 11:10.
But Paul does not simply conclude his teaching to the Church at Rome with instructions but ends with a blessing for them as he puts his teaching into action in his own life. He encourages in Romans 15:13, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
This is a command to leave prejudice and condescension out of the Church and to include all peoples in Christ Jesus.
This is a great example of exhibiting the love of Christ Jesus in one’s life.
This is a promise that God sees us all through His eyes, not ours.
To receive one another as Christ Jesus has received us is a big assignment. But we can find inspiration throughout the Bible to encourage us that we would be encouraging and receiving to one another in Christ. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45; and Luke 22:24-30 to be a servant to others as He has been in His physical life on the earth, that we would also seek to serve in reflection of Him. In John 13:34-35 (HCSB) Jesus teaches us, “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” But we must also realize and understand that this goes for our enemies too. Jesus proclaims in Matthew 5:43-45 (ESV), “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
To repeat the words of the Apostle Paul found in Romans 15:13 as inspired by God’s Holy Spirit, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Dear LORD,
It is tough for us to exhibit the love of Christ Jesus in our lives as the sinful nature continually bites at us to stumble in our relationship with You through our salvation in Christ Jesus. Please help us to always remember that it is not on our own that we are able to show the love of Christ Jesus, but that only through Him and the indwelling of Your Holy Spirit that we are able to be the people that You call us to be. Jesus promises in John 14:26-27 (NKJV), “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.